Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi has expressed his readiness to collaborate with President William Ruto beyond the extensive arrangement and to endorse his re-election in 2027.
While addressing a gathering in Turkana South on November 6, 2025, Wandayi remarked that certain members of the ODM party pledged to adhere to Baba’s final directives and political guidance, thereby supporting the incumbent’s re-election campaign.
Clear directions
“Prior to his passing, Baba illuminated our path and directed us to partner with Ruto. We shall persist in this endeavor by collaborating with Ruto until the very end,” he asserted.
The CS, recognized as one of the ODM ‘experts’, contributed to the government following the establishment of the broad-based arrangement agreement in March 2025. He revealed that some members of the Orange Democratic Party Movement (ODM) had already made the decision to back Ruto’s re-election efforts, notwithstanding the conflicting signals from a faction within ODM regarding the party’s future direction.
“A portion of us has resolved that in the 2027 elections, we will support Ruto for his second term and advance Kenya’s progress,” he further stated.
Wandayi’s remarks follow ODM acting party leader Oburu Oginga’s assertion that the party’s immediate focus after Raila’s passing was not on forming alliances, but rather on fortifying its internal structures.
In an interview with a local TV station on Sunday, November 2, 2025, Oburu expressed that the priority should be on fortifying the party rather than engaging in discussions about high-ranking positions.
He also warned certain leaders who have been disseminating false information suggesting that ODM has endorsed President Ruto’s reelection campaign.
Oburu stressed that the party maintains its independence, concentrating on building its strength, and will only engage in negotiations from a position of power.
“Our main focus is to develop the party, bring our members together, and ensure that any political agreements we enter into are approached with transparency and respect,” he remarked, cautioning that hastily entering into agreements without adequate preparation would only weaken ODM’s negotiating leverage.
“I urge my fellow ODM members to work on strengthening the party. If we begin discussing the positions we might hold, we will achieve nothing,” Oburu stated.
He indicated that this strategy would enable the party to approach the 2027 elections from a position of strength.
“No one will take you seriously or negotiate with you if you are perceived as a weak party. Our focus is on empowering ODM so that we can advocate for the highest office in the country.”
